Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content
NIOSH

beta-HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE

ICSC: 0796

1-alpha,2-beta,3-alpha,4-beta,5-alpha,6-beta-Hexachlorocyclohexane
beta-1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane
beta-Benzenehexachloride (beta-BHC)
C6H6Cl6
Molecular mass: 290.8
ICSC # 0796 		CAS # 319-85-7
RTECS # GV4375000
EC # 602-042-00-0
November 24, 1998 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!

•INHALATION Cough. Sore throat. See Notes.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN MAY BE ABSORBED!
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES
Safety goggles, or face shield.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Diarrhoea. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting. Tremors.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles).
Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Note: C
T symbol
N symbol
R: 21-25-40-50/53
S: 1/2-22-36/37-45-60-61
ICSC: 0796 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

beta-HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE

ICSC: 0796

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes in a fire, producing very toxic fumes including phosgene (see ICSC 0007) and hydrogen chloride (see ICSC 0163).

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.
MAK: (Inhalable fraction) 0.5 mg/m3;
Peak limitation category: II(8);
skin absorption (H); (DFG 2006).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin or by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the blood, liver, kidney. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point at 0,07 kPa: 60°C
Melting point: 309°C
Density: 1.9 g/cm3
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 0.7
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 3.8

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. In the food chain important to humans, bioaccumulation takes place, specifically in seafood. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment. It is strongly advised that this substance does not enter the environment.

N O T E S

This substance is a component of the insecticide hexachlorocyclohexane (isomer mixture). Insufficient data are available on the effect of this substance on human health, therefore utmost care must be taken. Do NOT take working clothes home. Also consult ICSC # 0487 (Hexachlorocyclohexane).
Card has been partially updated in August 2007: see Storage, Occupational Exposure Limits, Environmental Data.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0796 beta-HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
Top